Canadian applicants · United States of America
TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) for Canadian citizens
Non-immigrant work visa under USMCA for Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed professions.
- Processing time
- Canadians: same-day decision at port of entry. Mexicans: consular processing.
- Government fees
- Canadians at POE USD 56 filing. Mexicans DS-160 USD 185. I-129 change of status USD 1,015.
- Typical duration
- Up to 3 years; renewable indefinitely while activity continues.
- Sponsor required
- Yes
- Leads to settlement
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: Applicable consular post in origin country
Tourist entry vs. this route
Canadian nationals require a visa for any entry into United States of America. The TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
The TN visa implements the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) preferential professional categories for Canadian and Mexican citizens. The list of qualifying professions (Appendix 2 to Annex 16-A of the USMCA) includes engineers, scientists, accountants, lawyers, architects, and many healthcare roles. TN is not dual-intent and is not a direct path to permanent residence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Canadian or Mexican citizenship.
- ✓Job offer in a profession listed in USMCA Appendix 2 to Annex 16-A.
- ✓Beneficiary has the qualifications required for the listed profession (typically a bachelor’s or licence).
- ✓Temporary intent to enter the US (not dual-intent).
Common blockers
- !Offered role not matching a listed USMCA profession.
- !Filing a US green-card application that undermines non-immigrant intent.
Typical evidence
- ·Employer support letter describing the role and matching USMCA category.
- ·Proof of citizenship and relevant credentials.
Application pathway
Employer prepares support letter
Letter matches duties to USMCA profession and confirms temporary intent.
Apply at port of entry (Canadians) or consulate (Mexicans)
Canadians typically apply at a Class A POE; Mexicans apply at a US consulate.
Work in TN status
Extensions filed via I-129 or at POE for Canadians.
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are Canadian citizens eligible for the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)?+
Eligibility for the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) is set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Canadian applicants typically file the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)?+
Applicable consular post in origin country. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Canadian applicants need a tourist visa for United States of America as well?+
Canadian nationals require a visa for any entry into United States of America. The TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Is the TN dual-intent?+
No. Unlike H-1B and L-1, TN is not a dual-intent visa. Active green-card intent can affect admission or renewal; applicants typically plan any adjustment strategy carefully with counsel.